Some of my favourite things...

High on my list of delights is finding an atelier that showcases something a little unique.  Today we met glass maestro Bruno Amadi in his studio-shop in Calle dei Saoneri, San Polo.  There was hardly space for the three of us, and we were surrounded by displays of tiny glass sea creatures, lizards, frogs, mushrooms, peas and more, all brought to life from coloured glass canes.  Bruno is noted for his attention to detail, drawn from observation of nature, photographs and drawings.

Bruno's workdesk is covered with remnants of coloured glass and pieces in progress, his heat lamp, shaping tools, and pots of glass canes in a rainbow of colours stand waiting for use.  With skills honed over 42 years and a sense of humour aged with it, it was a joy to spend a short time with him.  On his desk is a handwritten sign, "sono al bar" (I'm at the bar) with an arrow pointing across the calle - just in case he's missing when you want to explore his shop!

Another delight of mine is the words you find in a language that's not your own.  My absolute favourite in Venice is "sotoportego", which is a small walk-through tunnel linking pedestrian streets.  There's just something about saying "sotoportego" out loud that makes me smile!

And then there's the doors and the windows : their grilles, their shutters, their colours.  Just like Paris, every one is an invitation to imagine what's inside.